450.00€
An exceptional and historically significant archive documenting the Dekemvriana (December Events) in Athens during December 1944. Rather than a random group of newspapers, this collection forms a coherent chronological record of one of the defining moments in modern Greek history, following the political and military developments almost day by day.
The archive combines eight original contemporary newspapers with an exceptionally rare official double-sided document, creating a remarkable primary source on the events that led to the Greek Civil War.
The Collection
1. Η ΕΛΛΑΣ (Hellas) – Issue No. 6
11 December 1944
31 cm × 23 cm
Outbreak of the December fighting
Responsibility of the EAM ministers
Reserve mobilization ordered by George Papandreou
2. Official Double-Sided Government Document
14 December 1944
35.5 cm × 21.5 cm
Exchange of memoranda between General Ronald Scobie and ELAS regarding a proposed ceasefire
Printed on the reverse of an earlier official printing of the Caserta Agreement, appointing General Scobie commander of the Greek armed forces
An exceptional document illustrating wartime shortages through the reuse of official printed material
3. ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ (Eleftheria/Freedom)– Issue No. 90
22 December 1944
30 cm × 20 cm
Archbishop Damaskinos calls for national unity
Reports from the fighting in Psyrri
4. ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ – Issue No. 91
23 December 1944
30 cm × 20 cm
KKE proposals for a ceasefire
Food supply difficulties in the Port of Piraeus
5. Η ΕΛΛΑΣ – Issue No. 19
24 December 1944
34.5 cm × 24.5 cm
Statements by Prime Minister George Papandreou
Political developments on Christmas Eve
6. ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ ΛΑΟΣ (Eleftheros Laos/Free People) – Issue No. 9
25 December 1944
34.5 cm × 25.5 cm
“Bloody Christmas”
Article by Konstantinos Tsatsos
Contemporary Christmas Day coverage during the fighting
7. Η ΕΛΛΑΣ – Issue No. 21
26 December 1944
35 cm × 24.5 cm
Arrival of Winston Churchill in Athens
British military advance in Kolonos
8. ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ – Issue No. 94
27 December 1944
30 cm × 20 cm
Historic Athens Conference chaired by Winston Churchill
Ultimatum demanding that ELAS surrender its weapons
Condition
All items are original contemporary publications dating from December 1944.
Overall condition is good considering wartime production and age. The archive shows expected signs of handling, including light folds, age toning, and minor wear. No modern reproductions are included.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and condition report.
Historical Significance
The Dekemvriana marked the beginning of the political and military confrontation that ultimately developed into the Greek Civil War. Contemporary newspapers documenting these events have become increasingly difficult to assemble, particularly as a continuous chronological archive covering the decisive weeks of December 1944.
The archive is distinguished by the inclusion of the rare official Scobie–ELAS ceasefire memorandum, printed on the reverse of an earlier official printing of the Caserta Agreement. This unusual document is both historically important and visually compelling, illustrating the administrative realities and material shortages of wartime Greece.
As a complete archive, the collection offers an exceptional contemporary record of:
the outbreak and escalation of the fighting in Athens;
British military intervention;
the arrival of Winston Churchill;
the Athens Conference;
the political negotiations that shaped the course of modern Greek history.
An outstanding opportunity for collectors of Greek history, the Second World War, early Cold War history, political ephemera, rare newspapers, military history, and diplomatic documents.
